Lighting apparatus



Aug. 20, 1946. p, H |RM|$HER l 2,406,223

LIGHTING .APPARATUS Filed Aug. 2a, 1944 z'sneets-sheet 1 I NVENToA AU@ 20, 1946 P. H. rRMlscHER LIGHTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 2a, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f, uw n W l! /Y 0B.

Patented Aug. 20,l 1946 oFFICE-[111i e LIGHTING vJVVPPARATUS Paul Hllrmischcr, Chicago, Ill. Y y e I vApplication August 28,1944, SerialNo. 551,490 f j -1 This invention relates to new and useful improvements in lighting apparatus and has particular relation to the lighting systems employing fluorescent lamps.

More specifically my invention has to do withl the lamp conductor means and control switches therefor. Viewed from this aspect an object of the invention is the provision of an arrangement of parts for supporting the lamp and controlling the Aenergization thereof by mechanism that Vis simplerin construction and arrangement, com-l prising few. parts affording expeditious assembly resulting in economical manufacturing cost.

In the operation of fluorescent lamps now in general use it is the required practice to have the current -heat upvthe filaments of the lamp and vaporize the mercury therein so that thereafter the current flow is through the lamp vapor and the lamp thus lighted. To extinguish the lamp a push button is momentarily depressed to open the lamp circuit with the results that the vapor in the lamp condenses and the lamp extinguished. This present invention has particular reference to the relation of these control switches with respect to means serving the dual purpose of conducting current to'the lamp and as a mounting therefor resulting in' an apparatus ywhich is simple in construction and design.,

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

' The invention consists in the Ynovel combina- A tion and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter` described and claimed, y l

, The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings showing the preferred form of construction, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the lighting apparatus embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional detail View of the same; e

Fig. 3 is a sectional detail View taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional detail view taken substantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of the conductors embodied inthe invention; i Fig. 6 is a perspectiveview of` another ofthe conductors embodied in the invention;

Fig. '7 is a sectional detail view taken substantially on line I-'I of Fig, 3.

. The several objects and advantages of my in,

vention will become obviousy from va consideration of the following detailed description Vtalr'eniin connection with the Vaccompanying, drawings wherein -a fluorescent lamp is indicated at I'U. This lamp comprises at each end electrodes or vclaims." (c1. 20o-'51) terminals IIl and I I whichhave connection-.in the usual and standard Way with the filaments of; the lamp, l

A mounting for this -lamp I0 is indicated at I2 and this mounting includes a basel 3 from which;

extend end panels I4. This basepomprisestwo sections I5 and I6 connected together by ,screws I'l located at suitable Vpoints with respectto'the base. The top section I5 provides two parallel channels I'I and I8 spaced from each other by a rib I9. These channels atvopposite ends thereof terminate intovertically extending openings 20 in turn terminating at their upper ends into slots 2| through which the ends of the electrodes II and II are projected for connection with conductor arms hereinafter; described; l

Formed in the bottom section I6v are ilongi tudinally extending grooves 22 which receivethe ribs 23 provided by the top ksec/tion I'5 toproperly fit the sections I5 and I6 inA conductor enclosing relation with respect to each other.

vIn the channel II is arranged aconductor'Zl'v for the electrodes II'. This conductor 26 comprises a bar '25 having at one end an angled nger 21 bifurcated as at 28 to receive the adjacent electrode ofthe electrodes I I. 'Ihe opposite end 29 of this bar has overlapping contact Witha n conductor strip 29connected as at 30 toY one side 3I of asource of electrical energy. Engaging this end 29 of the bar 26 is a push button 32, forreal.-y sons hereinafter set forth. The other side`33 of the source of electrical energy is connected as at 34 to a conductor strip '35 arranged inthe channel I 'I' and having an angled end portion 21 similar to the finger 21 and arranged in the adr,

jacent passage of the passages 20 and adapted to have contact with one of the electrodes II.

In the channel I8 is arranged a conductorf36 comprising two bars 36' and 31 and each having angled end portions 38 providing fingers 38 similar to the finger 21 and each arranged in adjacent passageof the passages 20 for'supporting connection with the otherv electrodes II and II of the lamp I0. e

These bars 36 Yand 31 haver overlapping por?` tions 39' normally spaced from each other and Y vcontact with 'each adapted tobe brought into 'other by "a push button 39. p y e f' The conductors 26" and 36V are arranged' in their respective channels' I1 and I8 in the mann'er hereinbefore set forth and 'as shown in the drawings. i When thus arrangedv it will be seen4 that they are completely enclosed and in condition to receive the lamp IIL Y To energize the lamp, the push button 39 is 

